India’s Modi Meets Macron, Sunak, Zelenskyy in Italy

On Friday, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in high-level discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the G7 summit in Bari, the picturesque resort town in southern Italy. The meetings focused on enhancing bilateral ties and addressing global issues of mutual interest.

Additionally, PM Modi held a significant bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he was briefed on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Strengthening India-UK Relations

PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the highlights of his meeting with PM Rishi Sunak, emphasizing his commitment to the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. “It was a delight to meet PM @RishiSunak in Italy. I reiterated my commitment to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the third term of the NDA Government,” Modi posted.

The discussion touched on key areas for collaboration, including semiconductors, technology, trade, and defense. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which began in January 2022, were also on the agenda. Despite previous aspirations to conclude the talks before India’s general election, the negotiations are now slated to resume post the upcoming UK government election on July 4.

Fourth Meeting with President Macron

In his fourth meeting with President Macron within a year, PM Modi highlighted the importance of robust India-France ties. “Had an excellent meeting with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron. This is our fourth meeting in one year, indicating the priority we accord to strong India-French ties,” Modi wrote on X.

The talks covered a range of topics, including defense, security, technology, artificial intelligence, and the Blue Economy. They also discussed promoting innovation and research among the youth. PM Modi conveyed his best wishes to President Macron for the upcoming Paris Olympics, set to begin next month.

The India-France relationship is guided by the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which outlines an ambitious vision for bilateral cooperation leading up to the centenary of India’s independence.

Engaging with President Zelenskyy

After his meetings with Macron and Sunak, PM Modi met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy briefed PM Modi on various aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This marks their second meeting in recent years, with the previous one occurring at the G7 summit in Hiroshima last May.

India has consistently advocated for resolving the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, maintaining a balanced stance in the international arena.

This visit to Italy marks PM Modi’s first foreign trip since commencing his third term in office this month. The discussions held with global leaders reflect India’s proactive engagement in fostering international partnerships and addressing critical global challenges.